First Lady Eleanor Roosevelt and "Chief" Charles Alfred Anderson: Courtesy of the National Archives
The Tuskegee Airmen:
The Fight for Military Desegregation
RECOGNITION
Former first lady Eleanor Roosevelt is flying in a plane with one of the Tuskegee airmen. She commemorates and applauds the pilots for being "greatly trained," which is well publicized to the public.
As a prominent, well known figure, her remarks are incredibly significant as she is able to persuade American citizens that African American pilots can be trusted as pilots.
Written and Illustrated Publicity
"TUSKEGEE AIRMEN STUDY IN CHICAGO," The Daily Bulletin: Courtesy of Library of Congress, 1945
Poster for war bonds depicting Tuskegee Airman Robert W. Diez: Courtesy of Smithsonian
The Tuskegee Airnen also got recognized through newspapers and propoganda. With the spread of newspapers, Americans were able to learn more about the group and their overall accomplishments. Additionally, WWII Propoganda posters, with the use of a Tuskegee airman, shows the importance of these individuals in war
Awards
Tuskegee Airmen Congressional Gold Medal: Courtesy of Smithsonian.
The Congressional Gold Medal is the most prestigious civilian award that can be presented by the U.S. Congress. This medal was awarded to the Tuskegee Airmen for their participation in flying for the United States Army Air Force. This award recognized their unique military record that inspired revolutionary reform in the Armed Forces.
332nd Fighter group
- The group was heavily recruited by the military
- Were used as air cover for bombers
- 20 Silver and Bronze stars
- 150 flying crosses
- 744 air medals.
- 8 Purple Hearts
- 3 Distinguished Unit Citations, and 96 Distinguished Flying Crosses.
Tuskegee Airmen kneel in front of plane: Courtesy of The African American Experience.
The Tuskegee pilots were able to damage 409 airplanes as well as 950 ground units. Additionally, the Tuskegee pilots engaged in bomb escort missions. The bombers were extremely grateful for their participation and protection during these missions.
The Tuskegee Airmen were extremely successful in their missions of protecting bombers, and they lost fewer bombers under their protection than any other fighter group. The continued effectiveness of their missions, marked by large bomber formations, shows their skill and impact in combat.